Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum
3.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.2 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Basic moisturizer for oily skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 5.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

Since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, it can also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Some anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈4.0%), 
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
Among others, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum also contains contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Gluconolactone, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈4.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-23
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ferulic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.9
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.3
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.9 10
5.9
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.3 20
0.6
1.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.9 10
5.9
All humectants
5.9
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1
0.3
All occlusives 1.3 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.3
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 4 2
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2
Ascorbic Acid
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
4
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.7
Ascorbic Acid
4
Tocopherol
1
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
0.3
Ferulic Acid
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
0.3
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
0.3
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Laureth-23
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Laureth-23Laureth-23 is a strong emulsifier that is perfect for bringing oils into water-based products. It can be used to mix fragrance or to add to shampoos. It plays nicely with other emulsifiers and ingredients, and can show synergy when used with other emulsifiers of the same type like Laureth-7.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Tocopherol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilA famous but not well enough researched emollient fatty oil from the seeds of Marula fruits. It contains fatty acids and a lot of antioxidant and emollient phytosterols.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
Ferulic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ferulic AcidA plant-based phenolic acid with powerful and scientifically proven antioxidant properties. It enhances the effects of vitamins C and E, as well as the UV protective effects of sunscreens.
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit ExtractAn extract from the fruits of the Indian gooseberry, also called Amla, which is rich in acids, vitamin C, astringent tannins, and humectant moisturizing sugars.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment ExtractPomegranate juice that has been fermented by Lactobacillus bacteria. It is reported to be able to promote the creation of moisturizing hyaluronic acid.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Gluconolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerA modified version of regular hyaluronic acid. It attracts large volumes of water, thereby making it an effective humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran ExtractAn extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It contains emollient fatty acids and antioxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and γ-oryzanol.
Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TetrahydrodiferuloylmethaneAn antioxidant turmeric derivative.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chondrus Crispus ExtractAn extract from the species of red marine algae called Irish moss or carrageen moss. It is edible and widely used to produce carrageenan, a polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.